Title:Potential Use of Pentoxifylline in Cancer Therapy
Volume: 19
Issue: 3
Author(s): Grzegorz Golunski*, Anna Woziwodzka and Jacek Piosik*
Affiliation:
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdansk,Poland
- Intercollegiate Faculty of Biotechnology University of Gdansk and Medical University of Gdansk, Abrahama 58, 80-307 Gdansk,Poland
Keywords:
Radiosensitization, drug interactions, methylxanthines, anticancer drugs, chemotherapy, drug toxicity.
Abstract: Background: Pentoxifylline (PTX) is a drug commonly used in the treatment of intermittent
claudication. However, numerous research groups report that PTX also may potentially be used in the
anticancer therapy following one of the main trends in the nowadays medicine – combined anticancer
therapy.
Scope of Review: The review concentrates on the reports revealing the potential use of PTX in cancer
treatment.
Major Conclusion: PTX is described to possess several properties which may be exploited in cancer
treatment. The drug reportedly not only has anticancer activity itself, but also increases cancer cells susceptibility
to radiation therapy and, additionally, reduces long-term side effects of this therapy. Furthermore,
numerous research groups report that PTX may increase the anticancer potential of commonly used
anticancer drugs such as cisplatin or doxorubicin as well as reduce side effects of these drugs.
Significance: PTX should be considered as a potential drug in the combined anticancer therapy.